New Zealand Sign Language is the natural language of Deaf New Zealanders and is used daily by more than 20,000 Kiwis.  

New Zealand Sign Language became an official language in April 2006, with the passing of the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006. NZSL is a combination of hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements. Rather than simply being a signed representation of spoken English, NZSL is a separate language, with its own structure and grammar. 

Each May, Deaf Aotearoa runs New Zealand Sign Language Week, celebrating this beautiful and unique language. NZSL Week raises awareness of New Zealand’s Deaf community and provides a platform for Deaf people to proudly promote their language and culture.